Tirupati Balaji Temple: History and Spiritual Significance

The Hindu scriptures magnificently describe this temple as the earthly dwelling place of Lord Vishnu during the Kali era. The temple of Tirupati Balaji, also known as Shree Venkateshwara Swami Temple, is a prominent site according to the Hindu scriptures and this most popular temple is situated in the Chittoor region of Andhra Pradesh.
Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the most visited temple.A large number of devotees visit this temple daily to have a glimpse of the Lord Venkateshwara and this temple receives the the great amount of donation from the devotees. It is common for devotees to make offerings to the temple Hundi (container that receives the donations) after seeking blessings of the Lord Vishnu and praying to the Lord to fulfill their wishes.
When Tirupati Temple was built?
Around 300 AD, work on the Tirupati Balaji temple began, with numerous emperors and rulers periodically contributing to its advancement. In the Mid of 18th Cenrury, the Maratha General Raghoji I Bhonsale made a committee to oversee the temple procedures. With the passage of the TTD statute in 1933, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was established. Today, the TTDs are capable of overseeing and maintaining a large number of temples and their subsidiary shrines.
Tirupati Balaji Sanctum Sanctorum
Ananda Nilayam is the location of Lord Sri Venkateswara's self-manifested (Swayambu) statue in the Sanctum Sanctorum. The main deity inside the sanctum is Lord Venkateswara (also known as Balaji, Srinivasa, or Govinda). The statue is carved from a black stone and stands around 8 feet tall. The deity holds a conch (shankha) and a discus (chakra), with the hands positioned in the Abhaya (blessing) and Varada (boon-giving) mudras.
The exquisite idol of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy is also housed at the Ananda Nilayam. This idol is taken down and placed at the feet of the main deity during "Suprabhata Seva" in the morning. This means that since the major deity is too large to be moved, Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy serves as the presiding deity.
Story behind Tirupati Temple
According to Hindu Scriptures, Once Sage Bhrigu had a desire to determine, which member of the Holy Trinity was the best. He was not content after consulting Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, so he proceeded to Vaikuntha and gave Lord Vishnu a chest kick. After feeling offended, Goddess Lakshmi, who was living inside Lord Vishnu's chest left Vaikuntha Dham and descended to Earth. Lord Vishnu also arrived on earth in the search of Goddess Laxmi. Once day when Lord Vishnu finally found Mahalakshmi, he was heartbroken to discover that she had been born as Padmavati into a royal family. The Lord went to a hillock and began to penance. Lord Shiva and Brahma arrived there in the form of a cow and calf. Every day, Lord Shiva used to take the form of a cow and poured milk into that hillock to feed the Lord. Once day, Lord Venkateshwara and Padmavati met each other. Then the gods urged the king to marry his daughter with the Lord Venkateshwara.
Marriage of Lord Venkateshwara and Goddess Padmavati
Kuber, the god of wealth, gave the lord an enormous quantity of money so that he may have an unprecedentedly elaborate marriage ceremony. After the marriage, the Lord lived in the Tirumala hills, where a magnificent temple was built. It is believed that from that time, the Lord is paying back the loan that he had taken from Kuber during the marriage. It is believed that the devotees contribute in order to facilitate the Lord's prompt payment.
Why do people donate their hair at the temple?
The famous ritual of donating hair to the temple dates back many years. Before receiving a darshan of the Lord, people of all ages do this ritual as per their wish, which involves praying and head shaving close to the temple grounds. To assist the public in donating their hair to the Lord, the temple administration has constructed large facilities. It is believed that the people who donate their hair at Tirupati temple, get the desired wish fulfillment and Lord Venkateswara fulfill all the desired wishes of his devotees. It is not mandatory ritual for all but people who visit the temple with their desired wishes, they follow this ritual.
Why is it known as Bhuloka Vaikuntha Dham?
Yes, it is popularly known as the Vaikuntha Dham of earth which is an abode of Lord Vishnu where he resides with Goddess Laxmi. It is believed that in order to lead and guide his followers toward salvation, Lord Vishnu has materialized in this temple during the Kali era. It is believed that Lord Venkateshwara's primary idol is incredibly potent and distinctive. The enchanting idol possesses several astounding supernatural qualities. Every day, the idol is adorned with floral gowns and decorations. Lord Venkateswara is adorned with golden ornaments daily.
Facilities that are provided to the devotees
From a stress free darshan of Lord Vishnu, comfortable stay in the hills, to the intricate and expansive amenities including hair donation locations, accommodation halls, hassle free movement, dining areas with free meals all day, the administration has given various amazing facilities to the devotees. The natural splendor of the Tirumala hills is unparalleled. Everyone can enjoy the inspiring scenery of the stunning waterfalls and the surrounding flora encircling the hills.
How to reach Tirupati Balaji Temple?
Tirupati Balaji temple is situated in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district. Today, Tirupati is a highly developed town with excellent bus and train connections to India's major cities. The city is accessible via well-maintained roads from Chennai and Hyderabad. This temple is one of the most revered and important pilgrimage, which every devotee want to visit to have a glimpse of Lord Vishnu.

There are direct bus services to Tirumala from Tirupati, departing every two minutes. Additionally, there are direct buses from Vellore, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Paid taxis are also available from surrounding cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Visakapatnam.
TTD also provides assistance through its car clinic for breakdowns occurring on the ghat roads. The pilgrims can report to the GNC in Tirumala or the Alipiri Toll Gates. They can call 0877-2263636 for quick assistance. The TTD transport department will send a mechanic in a mobile van filled with spare parts to fix the issue.

If you are travelling by train to Tirupati Balaji Temple then you need to know that there is no closest railway station available and the railway station is located roughly 26 kilometres away from Tirumala. Tirupati railway station is a well-equipped major railway station having five platforms and escalator.

About 15 kilometers from Tirupati, next to Renigunta, is the closest airport to Tirumala. This domestic airport is currently being converted to an international airport and offers direct flights to Hyderabad, Visakapatnam, Chennai, New Delhi, and Bangalore.